CAMILLA AND YOUNG PRINCES WELCOMED INTO THE NAVY

Just over a year after joining the royal family the Duchess of Cornwall has been given a significant new role - she will take on an honorary appointment in the armed services. The Prince of Wales' wife will become Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Medical Services.

It follows an engagement last autumn when Camilla handed out medals to British servicemen for the first time. She joined her husband as he gave out Iraq tour medals to soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Wales. With this latest responsibility comes the opportunity to wear naval uniform on formal occasions.

The ceremonial appointment would appear to be a sign that the Duchess is beefing up her personal roster of duties after largely limiting herself to a supporting role for Charles during the first 12 months of her marriage.

Meanwhile, Prince William has been made the Commodore-in-Chief of the Navy in Scotland and of submarines, while his brother Harry is to take a similar role as the patron for small ships and diving. Wednesday's announcement puts the boys in the unusual situation of holding senior naval ranks while still being at the start of their military careers. Harry is completing a tank commander course in Dorset after graduating from Sandhurst, where his elder sibling is currently training.